Patricia Lee Mercer (nee Shields), 62, died Thursday, March 3, 2016 at home from chronic kidney disease and heart failure.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, James K. Mercer; her two daughters, Chelsea (Mercer) Reeves and Nicole Mercer; her sister Barbara (Shields) Kemberling; her granddaughter, Savannah Reeves; her son-in-law, Jonathan Reeves; nieces and nephews, and her many close friends.
Born to Cedric Shields and Edna (Lottman) Shields in Long Beach, California on July 16, 1953. Patti graduated from Jordan High School in 1971 and attended a few classes at Long Beach City College before moving into the workforce. Throughout her career years, she worked in credit and collections at numerous companies.
She met her husband, James Mercer, at North Long Beach Church of Christ in 1987. They were married there September 10, 1988.
Patti traveled with her husband while he served in the United States Navy between 1988 and 1991. While stationed in Virginia, the couple had their first daughter, Chelsea (Mercer) Reeves in 1991. After the end of Mr. Mercer’s service in the military, they resettled their family in Long Beach, California, where they had their youngest daughter, Nicole Mercer, in 1992. Not long after the death of Patti’s parents in 1996, James, Patti, and the girls relocated in Jerome, Idaho until 1999. The family then moved to Lacey, Washington, where they raised their girls and where they continued to live until Patti’s death.
Patti spent her married life devoted to raising her daughters. While attending the Olympia Church of Christ, Patti became quickly involved in a community outreach program, Baby Bank. She became the director of Baby Bank in the early 2000’s and continued until right before her death.
She had a passion for all animals, especially her cats, and she enjoyed spending time with her only grandchild, Savannah. She was a compassionate, kind, and forgiving wife, mother, and grandmother, who is dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 11, at the Olympia church of Christ at 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow.
